Plaintiff
Tanya Farley appeals the Commissioner of Social
Security's final decision denying her application for
disability and disability insurance benefits under the Social
Security Act. The decision is affirmed.

I.
Background

Farley
was born in 1972 and claims a disability onset date of
1/21/2014. The Administrative Law Judge held a hearing on
3/4/2015 and denied Farley's application on 5/22/2015,
and the Appeals Council denied her request for review on
8/1/2016. In this appeal, Farley focuses on mental health
issues.

A.
Mental health history

On the
recommendation of her therapist, Farley established care with
a psychiatrist, Rameshlal Rawlani, M.D. on 1/31/2014. Farley
told Dr. Rawlani that her primary care doctor had prescribed
medication, Prozac and Trazadone, and that her depression was
better with therapy and medication. Exam showed that her
behavior was appropriate and cooperative; she made good eye
contact; her affect was euthymic; she had flow of logical,
goal directed thought; she had no delusions; her insight,
judgment, and memory were fair; and her attention and
concentration were good. Tr. 370. The doctor diagnosed
dysthymia; instructed her to continue the medications that
her primary care doctor had prescribed, and continue therapy;
and to return in six weeks.

At a
visit with her primary care physician, Paul Bernabe, M.D., in
February 2014, the doctor advised her about relaxation and
stress reduction for managing depression.

Farley
saw Dr. Rawlani on 4/2/2014. Her mental status exam results
were the same as her 1/31/2014 exam results. Tr. 356-57. She
said her medications were not helping. The doctor prescribed
Wellbutrin, and instructed her to continue therapy and return
in four weeks. Later the same month, Farley reported that the
Wellbutrin made her itch, so Dr. Rawlani prescribed Paxil
instead.

At a
medication management visit with Dr. Rawlani on 5/30/2014,
Farley said she was doing okay, but might be depressed in the
future because her father was going to pass away. She said
her anxiety was good, looked happy, was satisfied with her
current medication, and said she felt “10 out of
10.” Tr. 334. Mental status exam was normal and the
doctor noted that Farley's condition was stable. He
instructed her to return in six weeks.

On
7/11/2014, Farley told Dr. Rawlani that she was doing okay,
her anxiety was good, she looked happy, and said she felt
“7 out of 10.” Tr. 326. She said her sleep was
disrupted. Mental status exam was normal. Dr. Rawlani
continued the Paxil and added Trazadone for sleep, and
instructed Farley to return in six weeks.

On
8/15/2014, Farley told Dr. Rawlani that her father had passed
away two days earlier. Farley was not in acute distress and
the mental status exam was normal. The doctor continued
Farley's medications, and instructed her to continue
therapy and return in six weeks.

On
9/26/2014, Farley's mental status exam findings were
normal. She told Dr. Rawlani that she could not afford her
medications. The doctor arranged to give her samples of
Vibryd or Brintellix, and instructed her to continue therapy
and return in six weeks. She followed up on 11/5/2014 and
asked for more samples. Mental status exam was normal and Dr.
Rawlani instructed her to return in six weeks. On 12/17/2014,
Farley told Dr. Rawlani that she was feeling better on the
Brintellix and he noted that Farley was alert, cooperative,
oriented, and smiling. He instructed her to continue therapy
and return in six weeks.

On
1/28/2015, Farley was still doing well on her medication, and
reported good mood, sleep, and energy. Dr. Rawlani noted she
was alert, cooperative, and smiling. He continued
Farley's medications, and instructed her to continue
therapy and return in eight weeks. Her next visit with Dr.
Rawlani, on 3/25/2015, was essentially the same and she
reported that she was “doing alright[.]” Tr. 289.
On 5/27/2015, Farley was not in distress although she
reported having physical problems. Dr. Rawlani continued her
medications, and instructed her to continue therapy and
return in six weeks.

A
short, “Multi-Service Progress Note” dated
7/1/2015, bearing Dr. Rawlani's electronic signature,
states that Farley's “case was discuss for
consultation by her case worker[.] [Sic.]” Tr. 273. The
Progress Note gives some background about Farley's
medical and psychiatric history, ending with the note,
“Pt been reporting she is doing good on Brintellix.
[Sic.]” Id. The Progress Note continues,

Problem. After she is on Medicaid therapist report not
actively encourage with treatment protocol. May be due to her
health condition. Has multiple medical problem not doing
proper f/u, totally dependent on caseworker for her physical
and mental health. Since caseworker was unable to take her
eye appointment she is mad with caseworker.

Plan. Encurrage pt to participate more activities for her
physical and mental health, encourage to keep medical and
psychiatric appointments. Comply with treatment
recommendation. Home ...

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